AI Overview

The Sapura Nomad appears to be a name used for a specific mobile phone model manufactured by Sapura Nokia Telecommunications, a joint venture that assembled and distributed telecommunications equipment in Malaysia. This phone was likely a version of the well-known Mobira Cityman series developed by Nokia-Mobira.
Background
Sapura Group is a major Malaysian technology and telecommunications company that began operations in the 1970s. In 1987, Sapura formed a joint venture with Nokia called Sapura Nokia Telecommunications Sdn Bhd to manufacture and assemble telecommunications and electronic equipment in Malaysia.
The Mobira Cityman 900, originally released by Nokia-Mobira in 1987, was one of the first truly handheld mobile phones and gained international fame when Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev used one in 1989. It became known by the nickname "Gorba".
Connection
It is widely understood that the Sapura Nomad was the name given to the version of the Mobira Cityman (likely the 900 or 450 model) that was assembled and sold in the Malaysian market through the Sapura Nokia joint venture. This allowed Sapura to introduce internationally recognized mobile phone technology locally during the expansion of mobile networks in the 1990s.
The phone was notable for its large, "brick" design, which was standard for early handheld mobile phones, contrasting with today's lightweight smartphones. The Mobira Cityman series is now a sought-after collector's item.


(note that the latter model, Panther 2 appears to be Ericsson hotline oem rebrand rather than nokia)

This post has been edited by MyProLife: Nov 29 2025, 05:00 PM